Case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Santa Rosa

Update: 1:45 p.m.: According to a release from the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, a second Escambia County resident has contracted the West Nile virus.

There is a heightened concern that other Escambia County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.

The Escambia County Florida Mosquito Control Division and the health department continue surveillance and prevention efforts. FDOH-Escambia reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.

Original story:

A Santa Rosa County resident has contracted the West Nile virus, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County.

The individual has not traveled out of the country recently, so it is believed they acquired the virus locally, the release said. The area where the individual is believed to have contracted the illness has been sprayed, and mosquito control has been notified.

There are no other known cases in the county at this time.

The health department has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory, and residents are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes.

The insects are known to carry such diseases as the West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis and Dengue Fever.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

Drain standing water

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water collects.

• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items not being used.

• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least once or twice a week.

• Protect boats and vehicles with tarps that don't accumulate water.

• Maintain swimming pools and keep them appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when not in use.

Cover skin

• Clothing: Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.

• Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.

Tips on repellent use

• Always read label directions carefully. Some repellents are not suitable for children.

• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluidine) are recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients listed on the label.

• Do not apply under clothing.

• According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months.

• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and put it on the child's skin and clothing.